Earthquake Activities

Earthquake Activities

© 2002 American Geological Institute  http://www.agiweb.org

Contents: All Activities and Investigations
Activity 1 
Activity 2 
Activity 3 
Activity 4 
Activity 5 
Activity 6 

Students are challenged to produce a public service message (video or audio) and a brochure that educates the public about the earthquake hazard in their community and suggest ways to reduce the damage caused by earthquakes. 
Students will:

• Understand how and why earthquakes are part of Earth systems.  
• Participate in scientific inquiry and construct logical conclusions based on evidence.  
• Recognize the hazards and benefits of earthquake activity.  
• Appreciate the value of Earth science information in saving lives and preventing or reducing damage to communities.  

Activity 1  --  An Earthquake in Your Community

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites: 1.  Earthquakes

• "Glossary of Some Common Terms in Seismology"- USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Comprehensive list of terms frequently used in discussion of earthquakes.  Also, some terms are linked to other sites allowing reader to gain further information.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/general/handouts/glossary.html)
• "Frequently Asked Questions" - USGS Earthquakes Hazards Program  

Covers a wide range of topics to give a good general overview of earthquakes.  Additional links are provided if more information is desired.
(http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/eqhaz/faq/)
• "Where Do Earthquakes Occur?" - UPSeis from Michigan Technological University 

Covers earthquake occurrences along plate boundaries and along fault planes.  Reviews the different types of faults.
(http://www.geo.mtu.edu/UPSeis/where.html)
• "Earthquakes - General Interest Publication"- USGS  

This online publication is an excellent overview of earthquakes and includes a lot of good graphics and photos.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/earthq1/)
• "The Largest Earthquakes," - USGS National Earthquake Information Center, World Data Center for Seismology, Denver 

Think that your state has never had an earthquake?  Check out this sight, you might be surprised!
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/states/state_largest.html)

2.  Earthquakes or Seismic Waves

• "What is Seismology and What are Seismic Waves?" - UPSeis from Michigan Technological University 

A bit more indepth, this site reviews not only P and S waves, but also Love waves and Rayleigh waves.
(http://www.geo.mtu.edu/UPSeis/waves.html)
• University of Nevada Seismology Lab  

Overview of seismic deformation and the different types of seismic waves.  Also covers how seismic waves are measured and how their measurement can be used to determine where earthquakes originate.
(http://www.seismo.unr.edu/ftp/pub/louie/class/100/seismic-waves.html)
• The Science of Seismology, USGS 

This online resource provides links for more information seismology, movies, simulations, and an online exercise. 
(http://earthquakes.usgs.gov/4kids/science.html)

 
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity: To learn more about using seismic waves to study the Earth's interior structure and to find oil and gas, visit the following web sites:

• "Defining the Subsurface Structure in Earthquake Country" - by G.S. Fuis et al., 1997, Earth in Space, Vol. 9, No. 9, pp.7-10. 

This online article details the steps taken to reconstruct the crustal structure of Southern California using seismic waves in an attempt to further assess earthquake hazards.
(http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/eisfuis.html)
• "Pulling the Rug Out From Under California: Seismic Images of the Mendocino Triple Junction Region" - by A.M. Trehu and the Mendocino Working Group, 1995, Eos Vol. 76, No.38, pp. 369, 380, 381  

(http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/trehu.html)
• "What is Seismic Migration?" - Center for Economic Migration and Tomography 

Images of the equipment used to generate seismic waves for study.
(http://quake.seismo.unr.edu/cemat/migration.html)

To learn more about what a seismologist does at work, visit the following web sites:

• "The Men and Women of Seismology" - USGS - National Earthquake Information Center 

Biographies of some of the most famous scientists involved in the study of earthquakes and the structure of the Earth.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/seismology/people/)
• American Geological Institute - Careers in the Geosciences 

(http://www.agiweb.org/career/)
• Careers in Geophysics - Society for Exploration Geophysics 

(http://students.seg.org/careers/TLE/TLE1998June.html)

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Activity 2  --  Detecting Earthquake Waves

To learn more about this topic: 1.  Seismometers
 

• "Seimographs - Keeping Track of Earthquakes" from the USGS National Earthquake Information Center - World Data Center for Seismology, Denver 

Explains how seismographs work, includes diagrams of seismographs and also reviews P and S wave motion and explains how to read Travel-Time curves.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/seismology/keeping_track.html)
• "How are Earthquakes Studied?" - UPSeis from Michigan Technological University 

Includes a photograph and description of the first device used to detect earthquakes and an illustration showing how seismograms are generated.
(http://www.geo.mtu.edu/UPSeis/studying.html)
• "The Early History of Seismometry (to 1900)" by James Dewey and Perry Byerly, USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Series of "chapters" which detail the early development of instruments used to detect and measure earthquake activity.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/seismology/history_seis.html)
2.  Interpreting Seismograms
 
• "How Do I Read a Seismogram" - UPSeis from Michigan Technological University 

Includes images to help you to learn to read seismograms.
(http://www.geo.mtu.edu/UPSeis/reading.html)
• "Seismometers, Seismographs, and Seismograms" - USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory 

(http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Monitoring/Descriptions/description_seismograph.html)

 
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity: To learn more about the history of earthquake studies, visit the following web sites:

• "The Early History of Seismometry (to 1900)" by James Dewey and Perry Byerly, USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Series of "chapters" which detail the early development of instruments used to detect and measure earthquake activity.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/seismology/history_seis.html)
• "A Brief History of Seismology to 1910" - Institute for Crustal Studies, University of California at Santa Barbara 

Read about early explanations for earthquakes and the start of the "modern era" of seismology at around 1750.  Follow the development of the science of earthquake study.
(http://www.crustal.ucsb.edu/ics/understanding/history/history1.html)

To learn more about recent seismic activity and how seismic waves travel through the Earth, visit the following web sites:

• "Near Real Time Earthquake List" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center, Golden, Colorado  

Review a list of the most recent earthquake activity for the world.  Click on the earthquake of interest to read an "Earthquake Bulletin" which gives an epicenter location map, seismic history of the area, p-wave travel times, and arrival time data for that earthquake.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/bulletin/bulletin.html)
• "Seismic Monitor" - IRIS Consortium, University of Washington 

Map is updated every 30 minutes - shoes locations of earthquakes as well as seismic events on or near nuclear test sites.
(http://www.iris.washington.edu/seismic/60_2040_1_8.html)
• "Seimographs - Keeping Track of Earthquakes" from the USGS National Earthquake Information Center - World Data Center for Seismology, Denver 

Explains how seismographs work, includes diagrams of seismographs and also reviews P and S wave motion and explains how to read Travel-Time curves.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/seismology/keeping_track.html)

3.  Visit the Virtual Earthquake web site: 

(http://www.sciencecourseware.com/VirtualEarthquake/)
• Practice using seismographs to find an earthquake epicenter. 
• Simulate an earthquake in the region of your choice. 
• Print out a record of your results. 

Include the seismograms and the map showing the epicenter location, but do not do the magnitude activity at this time.

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Activity 3  --  How Big Was It?
 

To learn more about this topic:

1.  Earthquake Intensity
 
• "Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Description of the scale currently used in the US.  Includes a good explanation of the difference between intensity and magnitude.
(http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/general/handouts/mercalli.html)
• "Earthquake Intensity Database 1638 - 1985" - NOAA National Geophysical Data Center 

Includes an earthquake intensity location map of North America.  Allows searches for specific earthquakes by city and state, so you can look up the intensity of earthquakes that have shaken your community.
(http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/hazard/int_srch.shtml#city)
• "Magnitude/Intensity Comparison" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Places the two scales side-by-side to help in correlating a measure on the Mercalli scale with a measure on the Richter scale.
(http://gldss7.cr.usgs.gov/neis/general/handouts/mag_vs_int.html)

2.  The Effect of Local Geologic Conditions on Intensity
 

• "Soil Type and Shaking Hazard in the San Francisco Bay Area" by Linda C. Seekins , Jack Boatwright, and Tom Fumal, USGS 

(http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/hazprep/soil_type/)

3.  Earthquake Magnitude
 

• "Measuring the Size of an Earthquake" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Includes the mathematical model behind the Richter scale, along with a more technical description of how scientists study and measure earthquakes.
(http://gldss7.cr.usgs.gov/neis/general/handouts/measure.html)
• "The Richter Magnitude Scale" - USGS, Earthquake Hazards Program

Follow this link to learn more about the development of the richter scale and how it is used. 
(http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/general/handouts/richter.html)
Part B: Measurement of Earthquake Wave Amplitude
To complete the investigation, each student group will need:
To go the Virtual Earthquake web site.
(http://vcourseware3.calstatela.edu/VirtualEarthquake/VQuakeIntro.html)

• Click on the box labeled "Execute VirtualEarthquake" 
• After reading through the text, select an area for which you would like to generate a set of seismograms. 
• Submit your choice. 
• Follow the instructions to calculate the magnitude of the earthquake. 

 
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity: To learn more about reporting earthquakes, visit the following web site:

• Report an Earthquake - USGS Earthquake Hazards Program 

This site allows you to add observations about new and previously known earthquakes, as well as view current statistics.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/felt/report.html)

To learn more about determining the intensity of an earthquake, visit the following web sites:

• "Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale" - USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory 

Description of the scale currently used in the US.  Includes a good explanation of the difference between intensity and magnitude.
(http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/Seismicity/description_mercalli.html)
• "Earthquake Intensity Database 1638 - 1985" - NOAA National Geophysical Data Center 

Includes an earthquake intensity location map of North America.  Allows searches for specific earthquakes by city and state, so you can look up the intensity of earthquakes that have shaken your community.
(http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/hazard/int_srch.shtml#city)
• "Magnitude/Intensity Comparison" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Places the two scales side-by-side to help in correlating a measure on the Mercalli scale with a measure on the Richter scale.
(http://gldss7.cr.usgs.gov/neis/general/handouts/mag_vs_int.html)

To learn more about measuring earthquakes, visit the following web sites:

• "Seimographs - Keeping Track of Earthquakes" from the USGS National Earthquake Information Center - World Data Center for Seismology, Denver 

Explains how seismographs work, includes diagrams of seismographs and also reviews P and S wave motion and explains how to read Travel-Time curves.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/seismology/keeping_track.html)
• "Seismometers, Seismographs, and Seismograms" - USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory 

(http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Monitoring/Descriptions/description_seismograph.html)
• "Taking the Earth's Pulse" - USGS Fact Sheet 103-97 

Description of the Global Seismic Network (GSN) and how it is used to study earthquakes around the world.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/fact_sheet/FS-103-97/FS-103-97.html)
• "Monitoring Earthquakes Around the World" - USGS Fact Sheet 146-97 

(http://geohazards.cr.usgs.gov/factsheets/html_files/eq1/fini.html)

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Activity 4  --  Earthquake History of Your Community
 

To learn more about this topic: 1. Earthquake Patterns and Plate Tectonics
 

• "World Seismicity" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Map of global earthquake locations shown as focal depths.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/general/seismicity/world.html)
• "Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Explains the distribution of earthquakes around the globe.  Includes a review of plate tectonic theory and the four types of seismic zones.  Also includes examples of each type of seismic zone. 
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/plate_tectonics/rift_man.html)
• "Plate Tectonics, the Cause of Earthquakes" - University of Nevada Seismology Lab 

This site contains many excellent images, including technical illustrations, satellite images, and maps, that illustrate the link between plate tectonics and earthquakes.
(http://www.seismo.unr.edu/ftp/pub/louie/class/100/plate-tectonics.html)

2. Areas of Risk in the United States
 

• "United States Seismicity" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Click on the region or state of your choice to view a map of seismicity in that area and be given several clickable links to access further information on the geology of that particular area.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/states/states.html)
• "The 15 Largest Earthquakes in the United States" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Click on the earthquake of interest to receive additional information about the quake including, in some instances, maps and photos of damage.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/eqlists/10maps_usa.html)
• The National Seismic Hazard Mapping Project home page - USGS 

Numerous links allows you to explore around the site and learn more about the project.
(http://geohazards.cr.usgs.gov/eq/)

To complete the investigation, each student group will need:

• US Geological Survey map: This Dynamic Planet (or copy of map on page G148) 
• World map 
• Geologic map of your state (with latitude and longitude marked) 
• Geologic map of your region (with latitude and longitude marked) 

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:
To learn more about earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater, visit the following web sites:

• "The 10 Largest Earthquakes in the United States" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Click on the earthquake of interest to receive additional information about the quake including, in some instances, maps and photos of damage.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/eqlists/10maps_usa.html)
• "10 Largest Earthquakes in the World Since 1900" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Map showing the location of the 10 largest earthquakes in the world.  Click on the earthquake of interest to receive additional information about the quake.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/eqlists/10maps_world.html)
• "World Seismicity" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center 

Map of global earthquake locations shown as focal depths.
(http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/general/seismicity/world.html)

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Activity 5  --  Lessening Earthquake Damage
 

To learn more about this topic: 1.  Reducing Direct Earthquake Hazards
 

• "Building Safer Structures" - USGS Fact Sheet 167-95 

Deals with the challenges of reducing earthquake related losses by constructing earthquake safe buildings.  Contains many good photos of earthquake damage.
(http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/QUAKES/FactSheets/SaferStructures/)
• "Saving Lives Through Better Design Standards" - USGS Fact Sheet 176-95 

Reviews effects of ground shaking of surface structures and steps being taken to improve building codes to construct safer structures.
(http://quake.usgs.gov/QUAKES/FactSheets/BetterDesign/)
• "Earthquake Ground Shaking and its Potential Effects in the San Francisco Bay Region for a Repeat of the Great 1906 Earthquake" - USGS, by R.D. Borcherdt, G. Glassmoyer, and C.Wentworth  

This is an online slide show which can be broken up into three parts (1906 and 1989 Earthquake Damage, Application of GIS Technology, and Earthquake Ground Shaking Maps for the San Francisco Bay Region).  The entire "show" takes about 15 minutes and can be viewed with or without sound. 
(http://nsmp.wr.usgs.gov/Presentations/earthquake_ground_shaking.html)

2.  Reducing Indirect Earthquake Hazards

• "What is a Tsunami?" - FEMA 

Reviews what a tsunami is and what kinds of damage are typically associated with a tsunami occurrence.
(http://www.fema.gov/hazards/tsunamis/tsunami.shtm)
• s"Large-Format Damage Photographs" - Museum of San Fransico 

Click on the image name to view a variety of photos illustrating the after effects of  the 1906 San Fransico earthquake,  including fire damage, wrecked buildings and cars, and people left homeless by this devastating quake.
(http://www.sfmuseum.org/1906/photos.html)

3.  Personal Safety in an Earthquake

• "Fact Sheet: Earthquakes" - FEMA 

What to do before, during, and after and earthquake to keep yourself safe.
(http://www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/quakef.shtm)

To complete the investigation, each student group will need:

• Copy of the municipal building code of your community (contact your town or city government office). 
• Local topographic map (7.5 minute quadrangle). 

 
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity: To learn more about tsunamis, visit the following web sites:

• Tsunami: The Great Wave 

Online brochure by the US Dept of Commerce, NOAA, the National Weather Service, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, and International Tsunami Information Center, written to increase awareness and knowledge of tsunamis.
(http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/tsunami.htm)
• Tsunami Research Program 

NOAA's web site, includes data on recent tsunamis and spectacular animation.
(http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tsunami/home.html#top)
• Local Tsunamis in the Pacific Northwest - USGS Western Region and Coastal Geology 

History of local tsunamis, including geological evidence and legends surrounding these giant waves.
(http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/tsunami/cascadia.html)
• "What is a Tsunami?" - FEMA 

Reviews what a tsunami is and what kinds of damage are typically associated with a tsunami occurrence.
(http://www.fema.gov/library/tsunami.htm)

 

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Activity 6  --  Designing "Earthquake-Proof" Structures
 

To learn more about this topic: 1.  Duration of shaking
 

• "Earthquake Ground Shaking and its Potential Effects in the San Francisco Bay Region for a Repeat of the Great 1906 Earthquake" - USGS, by R.D. Borcherdt, G. Glassmoyer, and C.Wentworth  

This is an online slide show which can be broken up into three parts (1906 and 1989 Earthquake Damage, Application of GIS Technology, and Earthquake Ground Shaking Maps for the San Francisco Bay Region).  The entire "show" takes about 15 minutes and can be viewed with or without sound. 
(http://nsmp.wr.usgs.gov/Presentations/earthquake_ground_shaking.html)

2.  Underlying Earth Materials

• "Soil Type and Shaking Hazard in the San Francisco Bay Area" by Linda C. Seekins , Jack Boatwright, and Tom Fumal, USGS 

(http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/hazprep/soil_type/)

3.  Building Materials
 

• National Information Service for Earthquake Engineering Research - University of California, Berkeley 

Images and information about earthquake damage around the world.
(http://nisee.berkeley.edu/)
• "Building Safer Structures" - USGS Fact Sheet 167-95 

Deals with the challenges of reducing earthquake related losses by constructing earthquake safe buildings.  Contains many good photos of earthquake damage.
(http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/QUAKES/FactSheets/SaferStructures/)
• "Saving Lives Through Better Design Standards" - USGS Fact Sheet 176-95 

Reviews effects of ground shaking of surface structures and steps being taken to improve building codes to construct safer structures.
(http://quake.usgs.gov/QUAKES/FactSheets/BetterDesign/)
• "Geologic Hazards Photos Volume 1- The Behavior of Columns" - NOAA 

General information about columns as building supports and excellent slides of earthquake damage to buildings.
(http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/image/geohazards_v1/document/647022.htm)

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:
To learn more about earthquake engineering, visit the following web sites:

• "Building Safer Structures" - USGS Fact Sheet 167-95 

Deals with the challenges of reducing earthquake related losses by constructing earthquake safe buildings.  Contains many good photos of earthquake damage.
(http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/QUAKES/FactSheets/SaferStructures/)
• "Saving Lives Through Better Design Standards" - USGS Fact Sheet 176-95 

Reviews effects of ground shaking of surface structures and steps being taken to improve building codes to construct safer structures.
(http://quake.usgs.gov/QUAKES/FactSheets/BetterDesign/)
• Earthquake Engineering Research - University of California, Berkeley 

Images and information about earthquake damage around the world.
(http://nisee.berkeley.edu/)
• "Geologic Hazards Photos Volume 1- The Behavior of Columns" - NOAA 

General information about columns as building supports and excellent slides of earthquake damage to buildings.
(http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/image/geohazards_v1/document/647022.htm)

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Resources: Web Sites:

• USGS - Geologic Hazards 
• USGS - Studying Earthquakes 
• National Earthquake Information Center 
• University of Washington - Geophysics Program 
• Seismo-surfing (Univ. of Washington - web directory) 
• Western States Seismic Policy Council (WSSPC) 
• Seismological Society of America 
• Incorporated Research Institutions of Seismology (IRIS) 
• EarthQuake Information Network (EQNet -- earthquake web directory) 
• Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) - University of Memphis 
• USGS Ocean Bottom Seismometer homepage 
• Earthquakes and Seismicity - USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory 
• Northern California Earthquake Data Center 
• Southern California Earthquake Data Center 
• Institute for Crustal Studies 
• Lamont-Doherty Cooperative Seismographic Network (LCSN) 
• Total Plastics Solutions Guide to Earthquake Data  Total Plastics Solutions - Guide to Earthquake Data
• Earthquake Archive search
• Disaster Recovery Training
• A Guide to Keeping Your Family Safe during an Earthquake
• Earthquake Recovery Resource Guide

Maps:

• This Dynamic Planet Map is available online (http://pubs.usgs.gov/pdf/planet.html) 
• Click on title ("This Dynamic Map") to download a copy of the map as a PDF file.  Note that you will need Adobe Acrobat (available for free on the USGSS site) to open this file. 
• The map can also be purchased for $7 (plus $5 s/h) from: 
USGS Information Services
Box 25286
Denver CO 80225

• Geologic maps: State and local: 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database contains information on how and where to obtain geologic maps. (http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/) 
• Your state Geological Survey - find your state survey on-line at Association of American State Geologists (http://www.kgs.ukans.edu/AASG/AASG.html). 
• Download state geologic maps at About.com's site.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/) 
• Reading Geologic Maps - informative review on how to read and interpret geologic maps.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm) 

 
• Geologic maps: Regional (two or more states): 
• The on-line bookstore of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (http://bookstore.AAPG.org; 918-584-2555) 
• Topographic maps: Local 
• The United States Geological Survey MapFinder allows you to order 7.5 minute maps online for $4 per map plus $5 s/h per order. (http://edc.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/finder_main.pl?dataset_name=MAPS_LARGE) 
• The United States Geological Survey maintains a list of Map Dealers.  Click on your state to obtain a list of retailers who sell maps. (http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/map_dealers/) 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database site on How to find topographic maps (http://ngmsvr.wr.usgs.gov/Other_Resources/rdb_topo.html) 
• TopoZone site allows you to download topographic maps (including USGS maps) for free, at various scales (from 1:100,000 to 1:24,000).  (http://www.topozone.com/) 
• MapServer offers free online viewing of topo, nautical and aeronautical charts plus high altitude digital ortho quads (nav photos). (www.maptech.com and www.mapserver.maptech.com) 
• General Map Resources: 
• An excellent list of map resources available online can be found on the Central Michigan University Resources for Earth Science and Geography Instruction web site.  Included are links to sites to make maps, as well as links to free downloadable outline maps, satellite imagery, GPS, and GIS databases. (http://personal.cmich.edu/~franc1m/locamap.htm) 
• "Maps" - USGS Earth Science Information Center, includes general map information, from how to read maps to how to obtain them.  Also includes links to further information regarding topographic, thematic, planetary maps, and more. (http://ask.usgs.gov/maps.html) 
• National Geographic (maps and videos): 1-800-962-1643 (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/index.html) 
• "Maps of the United States" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of depictions of the United States, along with information on how to obtain additional US maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-us/index.html) 
• "Maps of the World" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of world maps, including outline maps, seismicity maps, and political maps.  Also contains information for ordering more specific world maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-world/maps-world.html) 
• "National Atlas Maps" - USGS site of a variety of US maps that are available online, including shaded relief maps, aquifer maps, and further information on how to order maps not available online.  (http://www-atlas.usgs.gov/atlasmap.html?) 

Videos:

• When the Bay Area Quakes: 1990, 20 minutes, U.S. Geological Survey. Contains footage of earthquakes as they happen, associated phenomena, interviews with scientists, and current research.* 
• Are you ready?: 1984, 84 minutes, U.S. Geological Survey.  Experts describing earthquake characteristics.* 
• Earthquake Risk to the Central U.S.: 1988, 9 minutes, Federal Emergency Management Association.  Describes the effects if an earthquake similar to 1811-1812 earthquakes were to happen today. 
• Loma Prieta Earthquake of October, 1989: 1989, 60 minutes, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, 499 14th Street, Suite 320, Oakland, CA, 94612, (510) 451-0905. 
• Loma Prieta Earthquake of October 1989 - Overview: 1989, 10 minutes, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute. 
• Mapping Earthquakes: 1989, 36 minutes, Dr. Bruce Bolt, Department of geology and geophysics, University of California at Berkeley, CA, 94720.  Dr. Bolt describes mapping the location and size of earthquakes. 
• Natural Disasters: 35 minutes, Eyewitness, PBS .  Explores the forces that shape our planet and affect our lives, from hurricanes to volcanoes. 
• Subject to Change: 1988, 17 minutes, U.S. Geological Survey.  Earthquake hazards explained to teachers, planners, and layman.* 
• Surviving the Big One – How to Prepare for a Major Earthquake: 1994, 60 minutes, KCET Home Video, P.O. Box 310, San Fernando, CA 91341, 800-343-4727.  A comprehensive guide to earthquake preparedness. 
• The Alaska Earthquake, 1966, 20 minutes, U.S. Geological Survey.* 
• When the Bay Area Quakes, 1990, 20 minutes, U.S. Geological Survey.* 
• (*Available on loan from U.S. Geol. Survey Library Special Collections, MS 955, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, (415) 329-5009) 

Books:

• Bates, R.L., and Jackson, J.A., 1980, Glossary of Geology, 2nd ed.: Falls Church, Va., American Geological Institute, 751 p. 
• Bruce A. Bolt, 1993, Earthquakes: W. H. Freeman & Co., 331 p. 
• Sieh, K., and LeVay, S., 1998, Earth in Turmoil: W. H. Freeman & Co., 324 p. 
• John J. Nance, 1989, On shaky ground: America's earthquake alert: Avon Books, New York, 440 pages. 
• D.B., Vitaliano, 1973, Legends of the Earth: Bloomington, Indiana University Press. 
• Peter Yanev, 1990, Peace of mind in earthquake country: Chronical Books, San Francisco, 304 pages. 

Magazines:

• Geotimes.  Published by the American Geological Institute, this magazine reviews current issues in the Earth Sciences and can serve as a valuable supplemental resource for teachers and students alike.  Visit the web site for online articles and information about obtaining a one-year subscription (40% discount for AGI Member Society members; 65% discount for students). 

(http://www.geotimes.org/current/)
• Excellent sources of high-school level articles are in both National Geographic (which often has maps), and Science News (describing the most recent and interesting events in scientific research.)  
• González, F.I., May 1999, Tsunami!: Scientific American (http://www.sciam.com/1999/0599issue/0599gonzalez.html). 
• Mattox, S.R., and Babb, J.L., 1995, Seismology demonstrations and activities for inservice training of K-12 teachers in areas of high seismic risk: Journal of Geologic Education, v. 43, p. 114-120. 
• Walker, Jearl, July 1979, The Amateur Scientists in Scientific American (http://psn.quake.net/lehmntxt.html) Contains instructions on how to build a seismometer. 

Additional Information:

• Seismology Resources for Teachers - The Seismological Society of America .  Web site with a comprehensive list of resources related to earthquake studies, including written references, maps, slide sets, videos, computer hardware/software, and earthquake databases. 
• Rapid visual screening of buildings for potential seismic hazards: A handbook. Federal Emergency Management Association, FEMA-154, 1988, 185 pages. (Free). 

 

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